Welcome
The Reverend Felix Villanueva is a native of San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) with Partnership Standing in the United Church of Christ Southern California Nevada Conference, Southern Association, .
A Retired U.S. Navy Chaplain
Pastor Felix spent 21 years as a U.S. Navy Chaplain. At the time of retirement in 2003, he held the rank of U.S. Navy Captain. His last assignment was as Division Chaplain, 1st Marine Division, Camp Pendleton, California. His tours of duty cover a wide spectrum from sea duty to Chapel programs worldwide. Reverend Villanueva had the opportunity to serve in the Far East while stationed in the Republic of the Philippines. He has also participated in humanitarian rescue operations in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and Haiti. In March 2003, Felix was called to go into Iraq as American forces prepared for the war. He spent three months in Iraq where he led 28 Chaplains representing 12 religious bodies in ministering to U.S. Forces as they moved from Kuwait City to Baghdad. Felix retired shortly after returning from Iraq. He served his country and God’s people faithfully and honorably as attested by the many awards he received while on active duty.
A Hospice Chaplain
Shortly after retirement, Felix served as Chaplain for VITAS Innovative Hospice Care in San Diego. After a couple of years serving as hospice chaplain, Felix accepted a call to be the Senior Minister at UCCLM.
Activities within the Denomination
Felix is a member of the Board of Directors of the California Nevada Conference, UCC. As part of his involvement with the Southern Association of the California Nevada Conference of the United Church of Christ, Reverend Villanueva serves as Chair of the Church and Ministry Committee.
Interdenominational Involvement
Felix is an active member of the East County Progressive Clergy Network. The group meets every month and is composed of clergy from a variety of faith traditions (Unitarian, Methodist, Roman Catholic, Lutheran-ELCA, Episcopal and U.C.C.). The East County Progressive Clergy Network is open to all clergy in the La Mesa area.
Pastor Felix is also a board member for the San Diego County Ecumenical Council.
Community Involvement
As part of his community service involvement, Felix is a member of the Board of Directors for The META Institute for Personal Growth, a non-profit organization currently forming in San Diego. META is a non-profit organization and provides personal growth workshop opportunities. (www.metainstitute.org). In addition, he is a member of the Rancho San Diego Kiwanis Club.
Education
Reverend Villanueva holds a Bachelor Degree in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico, a Masters Degree in Divinity from the Evangelical Seminary of Puerto Rico, and a Masters Degree in Pastoral Counseling from Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey.
Hobbies and Other Interests
On a personal level Felix enjoys a wide variety interests to include: playing the guitar, golf, reading, outdoor activities, web page design, and discovering new venues for personal growth.